New pool house for Bowring Park

The City of St. John’s has committed to build a new pool house for its 100-year-old park.

A $3.5-million project to upgrade the existing pool house and change rooms in Bowring Park will be jointly funded by the city and the Bowring Park Foundation. The city will invest $2.5 million and the foundation will cover the remaining $1 million.

“The Bowring Park Pool is an important part of our recreation offerings to the residents of St. John’s,” said Mayor Dennis O’Keefe in a news release issued Wednesday. “Investing in this facility is an investment in our future and in the future viability of this park.”

According to foundation chairman Michael Power, upgrading the park’s swimming facilities was identified as a major project within its master plan.

“The Bowring Park Foundation is delighted to continue to work with the City of St. John's to enhance beautiful Bowring Park,” he said in the news release.

The foundation will eventually launch a fundraising campaign to cover its portion of the project’s cost.

Tuesday coincided with the 100th anniversary of Bowring Park’s official opening in 1914.